KidsStop
GoodBirth to 8+Long established
A day nursery in Northampton for children from birth to 8+, open 08:00 to 18:00, 5 days a week. They do not publish prices, so that is the first thing to ask. Rated Good by Ofsted in September 2024. Open since 2014, with 24 places.
What you might pay
This setting does not publish its fees, and no national dataset holds them. This is what childcare costs across the council, as a starting point for the call.
What childcare usually costs in West Northamptonshire
This is not this setting's price. It is the median hourly fee across all providers in West Northamptonshire from the Department for Education's 2025 provider survey. No national data holds what an individual nursery charges, so ring and ask.
Places, hours and the day
Who they take, when they are open, and what a day there includes.
Where it is
NN1 5JSWhat the inspector found
One grade is one visit. A run of them tells you whether it has been good for years or has only just got there.
Ofsted inspector, 13 September 2024 · read the full report
What it is like to attend
Children are happy when they arrive at the pre-school. They are excited to see the staff and their friends. Staff respond to children's emerging needs as they cuddle and reassure children. New children settle well and quickly gain confidence to explore their new environment. Children develop strong bonds with their key person and other staff in the pre-school. This means children feel safe and secure which supports their emotional well-being. Children access a range of stimulating activities and soon become immersed in their learning. Staff plan an ambitious curriculum that promotes children's independence, follows their interests and build on what they know and can do. As children explore the play dough station, they independently investigate mixing water and flour until it becomes the right consistency to make play dough.
Children behave well. They understand the boundaries and show respect for each other and the environment. Staff model good behaviour and remind children to use
'kind hands' as they learn to share with their friends. Children instinctively help their friends. They share glue and sequins in the creative area as they create a picture together. Staff praise children, building their self-esteem and confidence to try new skills.
What Ofsted told them to improve
To further improve the quality of the early years provision, the provider should:
- strengthen the planning and implementation of adult-led activities so that staff are clear about what skills and knowledge they want children to gain n consider ways to encourage all children to join in with learning experiences, to support their development and progress
- 13 September 2024Good
- 27 September 2018Good
- 27 November 2015Good
Rated Good or Outstanding at 3 of the last 3 graded inspections.
Still missing for KidsStop
- What it costs
- Funded hours
- Youngest age taken
- Meals
- Nappies
- Waiting list
No dataset holds any of this. Two parents telling us the same thing puts it on the page for whoever looks next.
What to ask them
None of this is in any national dataset and this setting has not published it, which is exactly why it is worth asking.
- What does it cost, all in? What is on top: meals, nappies, late pick-up, and what happens if you are late.
- Can I use my funded hours here? Whether they stretch them over the year, and the minimum days you have to book.
- Is there a place for my child's age? Baby rooms fill first and waiting lists are common.
- Who would my child's key person be? And how long have the staff been there. No dataset holds this and it matters more than anything above.
- Can I visit at a busy time? Mid-morning on a weekday tells you far more than an empty room after hours.
Day nurseries within a couple of miles
This one is first. Tick it and one or two others to see them side by side.